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Scam

Business
$1.4M In Crypto Seized During Historic Loudoun County Bust, Sheriff Says $1.4M In Crypto Seized During Historic Loudoun County Bust, Sheriff Says
$1.4M In Crypto Seized During Historic Loudoun County Bust, Sheriff Says A single text message, sent to the wrong person, led to one of the largest cryptocurrency recoveries in Virginia history. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced Monday, Feb. 24, that it seized $1.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency—recovered from a sophisticated “pig butchering” scam.  Officials believe the bust is among the first and largest of its kind in the state. “This seizure sends a clear signal to bad actors: Loudoun County is coming for you,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said. “We will not allow our citizens to be taken advantage of and will do everything possible to get…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …

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by Joe Lombardi
Sports
Alley-Oops! George Mason Basketball Team Duped By Sham Travel Agent In $100K Scheme: Feds Alley-Oops! George Mason Basketball Team Duped By Sham Travel Agent In $100K Scheme: Feds
Alley-Oops! George Mason Basketball Team Duped By Sham Travel Agent In $100K Scheme: Feds The George Mason University men's basketball team planned an exciting summer trip to the Bahamas, but instead, they were left grounded after an Atlanta travel agent allegedly pocketed over $100,000 without booking a single ticket or hotel room. Maurice Eugene Smith, 44, is facing charges of wire fraud for allegedly scamming the Patriots out of their international trip, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. In June 2023, GMU representatives began planning the trip with a company referred to as "Company A" in court records.  Smith, operating through…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff
Resident Gets Better Of Porch Pirate Stealing Electronics In Virginia: Sheriff Not so fast. A sneaky porch pirate - possibly pirates - who targeted electronics during a short spree in Stafford County are at large following a string of reported incidents, but not before one would-be victim pulled a fast one on the robbers, according to the sheriff's office. Shortly before 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, a deputy was called to Daffodil Lane when a homeowner reported that FedEx had dropped off his brand new phone, though it was taken by an unknown man before he was able to pick it up. Later on Wednesday, a second FedEx package was intercepted, this time on from a reside…

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by Zak Failla